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Background: Brain natriuretic peptide serum levels (BNP) on admission are frequently elevated in patients with symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) and predict unfavorable long-term functional outcomes. However, the reasons for these elevated levels remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify the predictors of BNP elevation., Methods: Patients with unilateral symptomatic cSDH who were surgically treated in our department between November 2016 and May 2020 were enrolled. Patients' symptoms and neurological deficits were prospectively assessed using a study questionnaire. On initial computer tomography, hematoma volumes and midline shift (MLS) values were measured to analyze the degree of brain compression., Results: In total, 100 patients were analyzed. Linear regression analysis showed that higher BNP levels were significantly associated with smaller hematoma volumes ( p = 0.003) and littler MLS values ( p = 0.022). Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of a neurological deficit ( p = 0.041), a hematoma volume < 140 mL ( p = 0.047), advanced age ( p = 0.023), and head trauma within 24 h of admission ( p = 0.001) were independent predictors of BNP elevation., Conclusion: In symptomatic cSDH, BNP elevation is related, among others, to the presence of neurological deficits and smaller hematoma volumes. Whether BNP elevation may coincide with the early stage of hematoma growth, i.e., immaturity of cSDH neomembrane, requires further investigations.

Objective: To investigate the role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in predicting long-term functional outcome and develop a new predictive score of poor functional outcome after surgery for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH)., Methods: Patients with cSDH that were surgically treated in our department between November 2016 and December 2019 were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative plasma BNP and clinical condition were prospectively recorded. At follow-up (5-6 months), a simplified modified Rankin Scale (mRS) questionnaire was conducted through a standardized telephone interview. A poor outcome was defined by a mRS > 3. Based on predictors of the long-term functional outcome, a score was calculated. Its accuracy was tested using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic analysis., Results: In total, 119 patients were analyzed (median age: 76 years, range: 44-94 years). Preoperative plasma BNP (BNP-1) was elevated in 77 patients (64.7%). For the follow-up phone interview, 101 patients (84.8%) were available. In the multivariate analysis, poor outcome at follow-up could be predicted using BNP-1 (p = 0.034), age (p = 0.036), motor deficit (p = 0.013) and Glasgow coma scale score on admission (p = 0.008). The "Functional Long-term Outcome Predictive score" (FLOP-score) was therefore computed, and revealed an excellent discriminative capacity compared to other scores, with an AUC of 0.86 (0.77-0.95)., Conclusions: Preoperative plasma BNP is an independent predictor of functional outcome at follow-up. Using the FLOP-score, the risk of experiencing a poor outcome could accurately be predicted., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to analyze brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) serum levels of patients with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) and their clinical implication. Patients with cSDH who underwent surgery in our department between November 2016 and October 2019 were eligible for enrollment in the study. Patients with recurrent bleedings, traumatic brain injury, cSDH associated with other intracranial pathologies, and those with a history of congestive heart failure, renal or endocrine disease were excluded. We measured BNP serum levels pre- and post-operatively and at discharge. The BNP values were analyzed with respect to patient medical history and neurological condition. The Glasgow Coma Scale score and the modified Rankin Scale score classified the clinical and neurological condition at the time of admission and discharge, respectively. The data of 100 surgically treated patients with cSDH (mean age 73.2, range 42 - 94 years, male/female 3.5:1) were analyzed. Pre-operative BNP serum levels (BNP-1) were elevated in 67% of the patients ( n  = 67; median = 101.6 pg/mL; p  < 0.001). These serum levels increased after surgery (p < 0.001) and decreased thereafter ( p  < 0.001), reaching a level at discharge (day 7) that was not statistically different from BNP-1 ( p  > 0.05). In addition, elevated BNP-1 showed a significant statistical association with the presence of atrial fibrillation ( p  < 0.01) and antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy ( p  < 0.01). This study provides new evidence regarding BNP serum levels and their secretion pattern in patients with cSDH. Whether BNP-1 can predict the long-term functional outcome of patients with cSDH is being investigated in this ongoing prospective study.

Objective: Ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are one of the causes of subarachnoid (SAH) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) but the factors associated with the bleeding type are unknown. The aim of the study was to analyze the association of the morphological variations of the Sylvian fissure (SF) and vascular parameters on occurrence of different bleeding patterns in patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms., Patients and Methods: The data of consecutive 202 patients with ruptured MCA aneurysm of two centers were included for analysis. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 with SAH, Group 2 with accompanying ICH and Group 3 with intrasylvian hemorrhage (ISH). The SF was divided into five types according to the previously described classification. Analyzed vascular parameters were aneurysm size, localization, presence of a daughter aneurysm, shape, and angulation of the aneurysm sac., Results: A total of 202 patients (141 female, 61 male, mean age 52.4 yr) were included in this study. 67 patients (33.2%) had a SAH, 122 (60.4%) an ICH and 13 (6.4%) presented with ISH. Statistical analysis showed a significant association of narrow and twisted SF types 4 and 5 (p < 0.001) and temporal angulation of the aneurysm (p = 0.030) for occurrence of ICH. All other vascular parameters showed no significant association for any kind of hemorrhage., Conclusion: Our results allow the conclusion that the complex SF types 4 and 5, as well as the temporal angulation of the aneurysm sac are associated with the occurrence of ICH in ruptured MCA aneurysms., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objectives: Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) are rare vascular lesions. Recent observations challenge the congenital nature of these lesions. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with dynamic changes of bAVM still remain unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the potential role of COL4A2 (Collagen alpha-2(IV)) in the pathophysiology of bAVM., Patients and Methods: Expression and localization of COL4A2 were analyzed on tissue microarrays from bAVM patients (n = 60) by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between COL4A2 levels and clinical parameters were examined with Pearson's test for normally- distibuted or Spearman's Rho for not normally distributed data. Comparison between different clinical parameters was performed using t-test, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal- Wallis test. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical data., Results: COL4A2 was mainly expressed beneath the endothelium of vessels in the tunica media of bAVM. This pattern of expression indicates the basement membrane of the vessel walls. High levels of COL4A2 expression correlated with the age at surgery of patients (p = 0.005; R = 0.393; Spearman's Rho). The age at surgery in young (17-25 years) and old patients (55-76 years) showed a linear correlation; a greater variance of COL4A2 expression was observed in the age group between 26-54 years., Conclusion: This study reports for the first time the expression of COL4A2 in bAVM and suggests a potential role of COL4A2 in bAVM pathophysiology. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the microenvironment of bAVM and may foster the development of improved therapeutic strategies for this disease., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The PHASES score was developed to determine the risk of rupture of un-ruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The purposes of the current study were to apply this score on patients with actually ruptured intracranial aneurysms and to analyze the hypothetically prediction of the risk in this particularly patient group. We extracted the data of 100 recently treated patients (23 male, 77 female, mean age 56.4 years, range 17-93 years) with ruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms from our prospectively maintained neurovascular database according to the parameters used in the PHASES score (population, hypertension, age, earlier SAH, size and site of the aneurysm). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Ninety-nine percent of the patients were European and 1% Japanese in our series. Pre-existing arterial hypertension was found in 59%. Fifteen percent of the patients were > 75 years. Earlier SAH was found in 1%. The site of the aneurysms were the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 10%, the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 14%, and arteries of the anterior and posterior circulation (PC) including the posterior communicating artery (PCOM) in 76%. Sixty-six percent of the aneurysms were smaller than 7 mm, 18% ranged between 7 and 9.9 mm, 14% were between 10 and 19.9 mm, and 2% were larger than 20 mm. European population, aneurysm size < 7 mm, and age < 75 years scored with 0 point in the PHASES study occurred most frequently in our series. The distribution of the aneurysm site to the anterior and posterior circulation scored with 4 points occurred most frequently. Considering the 5-year risk of rupture, 70% of our patient collective would have an estimated risk of < 2%. Interestingly, 70% of the patients with aneurysmal SAH had a low risk profile and would have a low risk of rupture according to the PHASES score in our series. This observation underlines the discrepancy of the estimated low risk of rupture for UIAs in young and healthy patients and the obvious fact the majority of the SAH patients are actually young with low risk factors. Parameters beyond the features of the PHASES score are needed to determine the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to define predictive factors for rupture of middle cerebral artery (MCA) mirror bifurcation aneurysms. METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed the data in patients with ruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms with simultaneous presence of an unruptured MCA bifurcation mirror aneurysm treated in two neurosurgical centers. The following parameters were measured and analyzed with the statistical software R: neck, dome, and width of both MCA aneurysms-including neck/dome and width/neck ratios, shape of the aneurysms (regular vs irregular), inflow angle of both MCA aneurysms, and the diameters of the bilateral A 1 and M 1 segments and the frontal and temporal M 2 trunks, as well as the bilateral diameter of the internal carotid artery (ICA). RESULTS The authors analyzed the data of 44 patients (15 male and 29 female, mean age 50.1 years). Starting from the usual significance level of 0.05, the Sidak-corrected significance level is 0.0039. The diameter of the measured vessels was statistically not significant, nor was the inflow angle. The size of the dome was highly significant (p = 0.0000069). The size of the neck (p = 0.0047940) and the width of the aneurysms (p = 0.0056902) were slightly nonsignificant at the stated significance level of 0.0039. The shape of the aneurysms was bilaterally identical in 22 cases (50%). In cases of asymmetrical presentation of the aneurysm shape, 19 (86.4%) ruptured aneurysms were irregular and 3 (13.6%) had a regular shape (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study the authors show that the extraaneurysmal flow dynamics in mirror aneurysms are nonsignificant, and the aneurysmal geometry also does not seem to play a role as a predictor for rupture. The only predictors for rupture were size and shape of the aneurysms. It seems as though under the same conditions, one of the two aneurysms suffers changes in its wall and starts growing in a more or less stochastic manner. Newer imaging methods should enable practitioners to see which aneurysm has an unstable wall, to predict the rupture risk. At the moment one can only conclude that in cases of MCA mirror aneurysms the larger one, with or without shape irregularities, is the unstable aneurysm and that this is the one that needs to be treated.

Background  The aim of our study was a pictorial documentation of the anatomical structures of the orbit. Methods  We performed a transmaxillary endoscopic approach in nine formalin-fixed human heads. We identified and documented the anatomy of the inferior part of the orbit. Results  The first intraorbital anatomical landmark was the inferior rectus muscle, from which important structures medially and laterally could be identified. Anatomical structures and their relation to each other were documented and presented as illustrative figures. Conclusion  Knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the inferior part of the orbit could be sufficiently imparted by our illustrations. The presented transmaxillary approach allowed a wide overview of the anatomical structures located in the inferior part of the orbit. Our pictorial documentation may provide neurosurgeons more safety and the opportunity to become familiar with the endoscopic anatomy.

The aim of this cross sectional anatomical study is to determine the distribution of the defined anatomical variations of the Sylvian fissure (SF) in a normal population and to analyze its bilateral superposable presentation. Furthermore, we examined the course of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the division of the MCA branches in relation to the SF types. A total of 300 cranial CT scans - 100 CT angiography datasets and 86 MRIs of patients without intracranial pathologies - were reviewed. The SF was categorized in five types based on Yasargils description and our previous publication. The length, diameter and branches of the MCA were measured and compared to the SF types. SPSS 23.0 for Windows® was used for statistical analysis. We analyzed data of 300 patients (171 male, 129 female; mean age 51.6years). Symmetric and mirror-imaged coherence of the SF was found in 266 patients (88.7%, χ 2 (8)=3.04, p=0.932). The distribution of the SF types showed significant differences in patients younger than 60 years compared to older patients. A bifurcation was observed in 72.0%. A trifurcation was observed in 12.0% and a false bifurcation in 16.0% of patients. There was no significant difference of the measured diameters or length of the M1 segments according to the SF types. In this CT and MRI based anatomical study we could show that a twisted and narrow SF occurred more frequently in patients younger than 60 years of age. The SF has a high congruence intra-individually. The anatomical condition might influence the size and configuration of the proximal MCA, which in turn might influence the surgeon's choice of the approach to the SF. Preoperative evaluation on the basis of the presented data, may help to decide for an appropriate approach to the SF., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: the authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

The transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region has been introduced more than a 100 years ago. It is the accepted standard operative corridor to pathologies of the pituitary gland and surrounding structures. There are anatomical landmarks within the sphenoid sinus that are used for orientation directing to the sella floor or the cavernous sinus. Yet, little data can be found on the consistency of these landmarks. It is the aim of this study to evaluate the reliability of these anatomical landmarks for the surgeon's orientation. A total of 245 computed tomography (CT) volume data sets of the cranium performed according to a standardized protocol were analyzed for study purposes. CT scans of the cranium of 125 patients admitted to the emergency room of our hospital receiving a trauma spiral according to the local protocol were employed as a control group when no pathology in the sellar region was observed. In addition, preoperative CT scans of a group of 120 patients diagnosed with pituitary adenomas between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed. Image analysis of the anatomical landmarks included the minimal intercarotid distance (ICD), diameter of the sphenoid sinus (DSS), direction of the septum sinuum sphenoidalium (SSS), and the distance between vomer and clivus (VCD). The overall mean ICD was 16.2 mm, with patients suffering from adenomas showing a mean ICD of 15.8 mm compared with an average 16.5 mm in the control group. DSS was equal for both groups (adenoma group: mean 31.5 mm; controls: mean 31.3 mm). Mean VCD was 27.9 mm in patients with pituitary adenomas compared with 26.7 mm in controls. A septum of the sphenoid sinus located in the midline was found in overall 23 % only. SSS was directed into the bony shield of the internal carotid artery in 28 % of underlying tumors and in 37 % of the control group. This is the first detailed description of landmarks of the sphenoid sinus based on a large radiologic-anatomical analysis of CT scans yielding a wide variation and high inconsistency of these landmarks. From out data, we suggest that the surgeon approaching the sphenoid sinus should handle the anatomical landmarks with care bearing their inconsistency in mind. A thorough planning of the procedure up front is highly recommended. Usage of a navigation system considering the bony structures might as well facilitate as steady the approach to the sellar region in some cases for the patient's sake.

Posterior fossa surgery is demanding and hides a significant number of obstacles starting from the approach to the wound closure. The risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in posterior fossa surgery given in the literature is around 8%. The present study aims to introduce a sandwich closure of the dura in posterior fossa surgery, which reduces significantly the number of CSF leaks (3.8%) in the patients treated in our department. Three hundred and ten patients treated in our hospital in the years 2009-2013 for posterior fossa pathologies were retrospectively evaluated. The dura closure method was as following: lyophilized dura put under the dura and sealed with fibrin glue and sutures, dura adapting stitches, TachoSil® (Takeda Pharma A/S, Roskilde, Denmark), Gelfoam® (Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA) and polymethylmethacrylate (osteoclastic craniotomy). The incidence of postsurgical complications associated with the dural closure like CSF leakage, infections, bleeding is evaluated. Only 3.8% of patients developed CSF leakage and only 0.5% needed a second surgery for CSF leakage closure. Two percent had a cerebellar bleeding with no need for re-operation and 3% had a wound infection treated with antibiotics. The sandwich wound closure we are applying for posterior fossa surgery in our patients correlates with a significant reduction of CSF leaks compared to the literature.

Background: Up to now, only little is known about hydrocephalus (HC) in vein of Galen malformation (VGM). We want to present the different etiologies and our long-term experience (1992-2015) in the management of HC., Methods: Out of 44 treated children with VGM, we retrospectively reviewed all cases with HC. We analyzed the etiologies, our treatment results and complications., Results: Twenty-one children (48 %) presented either with HC or developed it over time. In 21 % of those cases, high venous pressure was presumably the sole cause. Until 2009, seven of them received ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting; six of those resulted in severe postoperative complications. The remaining children have been treated successfully by endovascular embolization. Five out of the 44 children (11 %) developed HC after intraventricular hemorrhage. In four cases, those children were treated with positive results by using transient external ventricular drainages. In one case a VP shunt with highest valve pressure was inserted. Another four children (9 %) presented with aqueductal stenosis-related HC caused by either dilated venous outflow or space-occupying coil masses after embolization. The latter case was successfully treated by ventriculocisternostomy, whereas endovascular treatment decreased the venous outflow in size and thus resolved the HC in the other cases. In the remaining cases (7 %), atrophy due to melting brain syndrome led to HC ex vacuo., Conclusions: HC in VGM is a common phenomenon with several etiologies requiring different treatments. In most cases, embolization of the VGM as sole treatment is completely sufficient in order to decrease high venous pressure. However, certain other causes of HC should be treated in an interdisciplinary setting by specialized neurosurgeons.

Background: The incidence of intracerebellar hemorrhages approaches 5-10% of all intracerebral hematomas. The clinical presentation varies from headaches and dizziness to rapid deterioration of consciousness to the point of coma in severe cases. In order to find some concrete criteria that could influence the prognosis of these patients, we performed this retrospective study., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the factors influencing the outcome of 57 patients with intracerebellar hematomas treated in our clinic in the last 7 years. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission, as well as other parameters as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, presence of malign tumors in the medical history, or the intake of anticoagulants were assessed as independent factors influencing the outcome of the patients. On the other hand, various computed tomography parameters on admission were also correlated with the clinical outcome such as, tight posterior fossa (TPF), volume of the hematoma, hydrocephalus, compression of the fourth ventricle, intraventricular bleeding, as well as the ratio of the maximal width of the hematoma in comparison to the width of the PF were taken into consideration., Results: The results of the study showed that patients with poor GCS on admission had also a poor Glasgow Outcome Score. Interestingly there was a statistically significant correlation between the maximal width of the hematoma in comparison to the width of the PF and the outcome of the patients. It could be also shown that the patients with intraventricular hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, compression of the fourth ventricle over 50% of its maximal width and TPF, had a poor clinical outcome. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation of the volume of the hematoma and a poor clinical outcome., Conclusions: We introduced as a new factor that is, the cerebellar hemorrhage/PF ratio and found out that the value >35% was associated to an unfavorable outcome.

Object: Neuroendoscopy is used more and more frequently in neurosurgical procedures and has become an important tool in the neurosurgical armamentarium. However, the main restriction of neuroendoscopy is the limited field of view. A better overview of the area of interest would increase surgical safety and decrease procedure-related morbidity rates. In the present study, the authors aimed to improve this restriction by using and comparing two algorithms to create endoscopic panoramic images, which increase the field of view during neuroendoscopic procedures., Methods: Different endoscopic methods with or without a stand and with linear or circular endoscope movements were performed in cadaveric ventricles. Video of the endoscopy was used to create image mosaics of the lateral ventricle with the help of the Kourogi or LogSearch (LS) algorithm. In the LS algorithm, different template sizes were used. Three observers graded the quality of the image mosaic in terms of usefulness in surgery. The fastest frame rate was 3-4 frames/second., Results: The LS algorithm with a larger template size showed significantly better results for the creation of image mosaics than the Kourogi algorithm in linear endoscopic movement with or without a stand. In circular endoscopic movements, the results seemed to be better with the LS algorithm but were not significantly different from those obtained with the Kourogi algorithm. In summary, image quality in the experimental paradigms was satisfying., Conclusions: Results in the study showed that the creation of image mosaics is possible and reliable with the featured algorithms. Image mosaicking is an applicable device for neuroendoscopy and can increase the field of view during endoscopic procedures. Its use can increase the safety and the field of application of neuroendoscopy. However, faster frame rates will be required to create a smooth image for practical use during surgery.

Objective: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for motor and language mapping is used for presurgical planning. This study aimed to evaluate the value of fMRI in clinical routine for preoperative planning of brain surgery adjacent to functional brain areas., Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive patients with brain lesions adjacent to sensomotor and/or language functional areas underwent fMRI prior to planned brain surgery on a 3T MRI scanner for identification of motor in all and language functional areas in 29 patients. Analysis software installed on the MRI console was used for rapid image analysis and direct visualization. All fMRI results were analyzed according to the use for preoperative planning., Results: fMRI data analysis and visualization was possible in less than 10min. In 35 patients fMRI of motor cortex and in 25 patients fMRI of language could be performed due to the patient's compliance. In 34 patients motor activity could be clearly identified in the precentral gyrus. The dominant hemisphere could be identified clearly in 22 cases. In 18 patients direct anatomical correlation of the activity maps to the speech area of Broca and/or Wernicke could be made. Resection surgery was performed in all patients. 11 patients underwent awake surgery with intraoperative cortical stimulation., Conclusion: fMRI for clinical routine is a reliable and rapid method for identification of functional brain areas prior to brain surgery adjacent to functional areas. This method allows direct monitoring of the data quality and visualization without being time consuming. Knowledge about the relation of functional areas to the brain lesions improves the preoperative planning, the operation strategy and decision making with patients., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: The present study evaluates the effectiveness of an ultrasound (US) practice course based on a sheep brain cadaver. Neurosurgical education is considerably restrained following patient safety objections and work time restrictions. It is therefore of vital importance to offer residents an opportunity to practice certain US techniques in a controlled environment without ethical or legal restrictions. We developed an US training model based on a sheep brain cadaver in order to demonstrate the feasibility of such a model, facilitate crucial anatomic knowledge, and demonstrate a learning curve from it., Methods: Over the course of 2 months from December 2012-January 2013, a total of 13 residents took part in a three part training session, each consisting of 20-30 min of individual US-training and performance evaluation based on a biological phantom. The first cadaver was a physiologic sheep brain. After initial familiarization with the US, the residents performed an US on a second cadaveric brain and tried to find a 0.5 cm big (in diameter) echogenic structure. In a third brain they were asked to identify a cyst (Fogarty catheter filled with water)., Results: Thirteen neurosurgical residents participated in the study. After the first training session, the learning curve improved significantly in the second and the third session. The ability to actuate the US device, the time needed to display crucial anatomic landmarks, and to locate the two different artificial masses increased, and respectively decreased remarkably by up to 80%., Conclusion: After 2 months and three training sessions, the handling of the US from the residents was excellent in the operating room. The accuracy and the dexterity in use of the US improved significantly. The participants found the model to be realistic and agreed on the need for further promotion of such courses.

Background: An important part of neurosurgical training is the improvement of surgical skills. Acquiring microsurgical skills follows a learning curve, influenced by specific exercises, feedback, and training. Aim of training should be rapid learning success. The study shows the way in which video-based training can influence the learning curve., Methods: Over a period of 18 months (2011-2012) 12 residents were evaluated in spinal surgery (12 cases per resident) by a skilled evaluator based on different criteria. The evaluation criteria (exposition of important anatomy, intraoperative bleeding, efficacy of using bipolar cauterization) were weighted and added to a single quality-score. The participating residents were divided into two groups. Only one group (n = 5) received video-based training., Results: Residents showed an individually different but explicit increase in microsurgical skills. The quality-score during the first surgery compared with the end point of the study demonstrated a faster improvement of surgical skills in the group with video-based training than in the group without special training. Considering all residents together, the video-training group displayed a steeper gradient of microsurgical success. Comparison of the single resident's microsurgical skills showed individual disparities. Various biases that influence the learning success are under examination., Conclusion: Video-based training can improve microsurgical skills, leading to an improved learning curve. An earlier entry of the learning curve plateau in the video-training group promotes a higher acquisition of surgical skills. Because of the positive effect, we plan to apply the video-based training model to other neurosurgical subspecialties, especially neurovascular and skull base surgery.

Background: The sylvian fissure (SF) is the anatomical pathway used in a pterional approach, which leads to most aneurysms. There are four different anatomical variants of the SF described. In the present retrospective study the four different categories of the SF were studied in order to evaluate any correlation of these variants to surgical outcome., Methods: Patients treated for intracranial aneurysms by a pterional transsylvian approach during 2003-2012 (N = 237) were included in the study. The SF category was determined by analysis of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scanning. Patients were grouped into unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) and ruptured intracranial aneurysms with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) according to the Hunt and Hess grades. Brain edema, vasospasms, ischemic lesion rate, and outcome were evaluated for possible correlation with SF anatomical variants., Results: Postsurgically brain edema formation correlated significantly with more complex anatomical variants of the SF in patients with UIAs and in patients with Hunt and Hess 1 and 2. Ischemia rate, vasospasms, or clinical outcome was not negatively affected though., Conclusion: The classification of the SF as proposed by Yasargil is more than a pure anatomical observation. In this retrospective study, we show that the anatomical variants of the SF can be associated to postoperative complications like formation of brain edema or ischemic lesions Preoperative knowledge of the SF anatomy and possibly consecutive adapted extend of the surgical approach can decrease procedure-related morbidity.

Objective: International guidelines for the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) recommend observation in aneurysms <10 mm due to the estimated low risk of rupture. The aim of our study was analyse the data of recently treated patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms with the special focus on size and configuration in view of the frequency scale in a daily routine setting., Methods: We reviewed the data of all patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) during the last 24 months at our institution. Configuration and size of the aneurysms were measured. Clinical data were collected using the following classifications for analysis: Hunt and Hess (H&H), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Fisher classification., Results: Data of 135 patients with aneurysmal SAH (98 women, 37 men; ratio 2.6:1) were analysed. Analysis showed that 19 aneurysms (14 %) were >10 mm (mean size, 19.2 mm) and 116 aneurysms (85.9 %) <10 mm (mean size, 6.2 mm). In total, 112 were categorised as berry-like configured aneurysms (n = 113 <10 mm, n = 3 >10 mm), 18 as multi-lobar (n = 16 <10 mm, n = 2 >10 mm) and 5 as fusiform (n = 4 <10 mm, n = 1, >10 mm)., Conclusion: Since the results of our study showed that the majority of the aneurysms are <10 mm (mean, 6.2 mm), it is justified to challenge the recommendations of the international guidelines in a daily routine setting. We believe that the published data are not convincing enough to play a guidance role in daily routine. Due to improving surgical and endovascular techniques with satisfying results and the high number of ruptured small aneurysms, we believe a change in attitude in management of small-sized aneurysms is needed. Further diagnostic models are needed to determine the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms properly to obtain adequate treatment for UIAs.

We present the case of a 30-year-old male patient with an almost complete destruction of the calvarial bone through an anaplastic meningioma diagnosed in line with dizziness. Neuroimaging revealed an extensive growing, contrast enhancing lesion expanding at the supra- and infratentorial convexity, infiltrating and destroying large parts of the skull, and infiltrating the skin. Due to progressive ataxia and dysarthria with proven tumor growth in the posterior fossa in the continuing course, parts of the tumor were resected. A surgical procedure with the aim of complete tumor resection in a curative manner was not possible. Six months after the first operation, due to a new tumor progression, most extensive tumor resection was performed. Due to the aggressive and destructive growth with a high rate of recurrence and tendency of metastases, anaplastic meningiomas can be termed as malignant tumors. The extrinsic growth masks the tumor until they reach a size, which makes these tumors almost unresectable. In the best case scenarios, the five-year survival is about 50%. With the presented case, we would like to show the aggressive behavior of anaplastic meningiomas in a very illustrative way. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery reach their limits in this tumor entity.

The present study evaluates the incidence of early and late seizures after head injury in patients under 18 years old. Factors correlating with a high risk of developing posttraumatic seizures were identified. Such risk factors were the severity of the head trauma and a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3-8. In contrast to many studies, we observed that the incidence of posttraumatic seizures was significantly higher in patients older than 12 years old (12-16 and 12-18). Most of the late seizures were paroxysmal electroencephalography (EEG) discharges diagnosed on a snapshot-EEG during the follow-up examination of the patients without clinical symptoms. We suppose that EEG-examination in head injured children is important to identify patients with epileptic potentials without clinical symptoms. Epileptic patterns of the EEG could worsen the diagnosis and clinical outcome of the children in accordance to studies performed in the adult population.

Intervertebral fusion through an anterior approach with polymethylacrylate is a well-established neurosurgical technique in the treatment of cervical spine degeneration. However, questions still remain concerning the post-surgical outcome. Factors influencing surgical outcome that could help to predict which patients need further post-surgical treatment and what to expect after surgery are the subject of numerous studies. In the present study, we retrospectively collected data from patients who had undergone intervertebral fusion and defined which pre-operative factors could influence the surgical outcome. Between 1993 and 1997, 379 patients were surgically treated with the ventral fusion technique in our hospital. In 2006, we sent a questionnaire to the patients and 164 responses were received. We identified pre-operative presence of severe pain, hypesthesia, palsy and gait disturbance as negative predictive factors, whereas age, body mass index, pre-operative physical strain and the cervical segment involved did not seem to influence prognosis. In conclusion, identifying pre-operative factors which influence prognosis after intervetebral fusion will help predict postoperative outcome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to work out the special features of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of unknown origin in respect of diagnostic evaluation, clinical course, and outcome in a large cohort of patients., Methods: We reviewed the data of 179 patients with SAH of unknown origin during 1991 and 2008. The differentiation between perimesencephalic (PM-SAH) and non-perimesencephalic SAH (NON-PM-SAH) was done under consideration of the bleeding pattern on CT scanning., Results: Among 1226 treated patients with spontaneous SAH over a time period of 17 years, a bleeding source remained undetected on first digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) in 179 patients (16.7%)--47 PM-SAH (26.3%) and 132 NON-PM-SAH (73.7%). The clinical signs of patients with PM-SAH were less marked compared to those with NON-PM-SAH, equally to the Hunt and Hess grade. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angiography had 100% negative findings for non-aneurismal bleeding sources in all patients. Second DSA revealed a bleeding source in the NON-PM group in 10.8%. The clinical course of the patients with NON-PM-SAH showed a significantly higher rate of complications and a mortality of about 10%. The outcome was excellent in the PM group, in contrast to a fatal course in 13 cases in the NON-PM group., Discussion: PM-SAH imposed with a mild clinical course and an excellent outcome, without severe complications. In contrast to this, NON-PM-SAH has a significant higher rate of dreaded complications and mortality. It is crucial to make an exact diagnosis of PM-SAH, considering CT scanning during the first 24 hours after occurrence of symptoms and the radiological features.

Objective. The aim of our prospective study was to investigate the applicability and the diagnostic value of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in SAH patients using the cerebral oximeter INVOS 5100C. Methods. Measurement of cerebral oximetry was done continuously after spontaneous SAH. Decrease of regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) was analyzed and interpreted in view of the determined intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Changes of rSO(2) values were matched with the values of ICP, tipO(2), and TCD and the results of additional neuroimaging. Results. Continuous measurement of rSO(2) was performed in nine patients with SAH (7 females and 2 males). Mean measurement time was 8.6 days (range 2-12 days). The clinical course was uneventful in 7 patients without occurrence of CVS. In these patients, NIRS measured constant and stable rSO(2) values without relevant alterations. Special findings are demonstrated in 3 cases. Conclusion. Measurement of rSO(2) with NIRS is a safe, easy to use, noninvasive additional measurement tool for cerebral oxygenation, which is used routinely during vascular and cardiac surgical procedures. NIRS is applicable over a long time period after SAH, especially in alert patients without invasive probes. Our observations were promising, whereby larger studies are needed to answer the open questions.

Purpose: We demonstrate clinical features, therapy and outcome of 14 patients with symptomatic spinal cavernous malformations (CM)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent microsurgical treatment of symptomatic spinal CM during the last decade in our department through an analysis of our database., Results: We analyzed the data of 14 patients (11 females, 3 males) with symptomatic spinal CM in a range of 16-77 years (mean age 47.8 years). Seven patients (50%) experienced significant improvement of their symptoms rapidly after surgery. The remaining seven patients presented new non pre-existing complaints, which improved gradually with a favourable outcome at the last follow-up examination in six cases., Conclusion: Microsurgical treatment under perioperative electrophysiological monitoring is justified to prevent severe neurofunctional deterioration in symptomatic spinal CM. Although some of the patients deteriorate after surgery, the symptoms are rapidly declining with a favourable outcome in majority of them.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) angiography is increasingly used in the diagnostics of brain aneurysms. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3D angiograms with respect to its value for preoperative planning of aneurysm clipping., Patients and Methods: The 3D angiograms of 42 patients with subarachnoid bleeding caused by aneurysm rupture of the anterior circle of Willis and the intradural carotid have been compared to intraoperative photographs of the aneurysms., Results: Neighbouring vessels, aneurysm anatomy, arteries originating from the aneurysm wall were accurately shown decreasing the surgical risk of aneurysm clipping., Conclusions: The 3D images enabled a perfect preoperative planning through the operation by illuminating the aneurysm anatomy, neck localisation and shape and relation of the aneurysm to neighbouring vessels. Operative approach, use of an accurate clip and avoidance of clipping arteries close to the aneurysm have become predictable and safer by the use of 3D angiography.

We present clinical and histopathologic data from 13 children who underwent craniotomy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Clinical characteristics were compared to those in adult patients (n = 403). The mean age of the children was 10.4 years. The male/female ratio was 3.3:1. The localization was infratentorial in 6 cases (brainstem, n = 4; cerebellum, n = 2) and supratentorial in 7 cases (frontal, n = 2; parietal, n = 3; temporal, n = 2). Infratentorial localization was observed solely in children from 0-10 years, whereas supratentorial location was found in children between the age of 11 and 21 years. Surgical resection was followed by radiotherapy in 11 cases and additional chemotherapy in 8 cases. Giant cell glioblastoma multiforme was found in 2 cases (15%, vs 1-5% in adults). The mean Ki-67 proliferation index was 29.4% (vs 25.6% in adults). There were no significant differences in histologic morphology between children and adults. The total survival time was 90 weeks (vs 47 weeks in adults). One patient is still alive after 8 years. Predictive factors of prolonged survival were the extent of tumor resection and radio- and/or chemotherapy after resection. Multidisciplinary treatment of glioblastoma in childhood might lead to better median survival than in adults. Infratentorial tumor location was observed exclusively in children younger than 11 years old., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Object: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of MR imaging in perimesencephalic (PM) and nonperimesencephalic (non-PM) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of unknown origin., Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of all patients with SAH (1226 patients) in their department between January 1991 and December 2008. Included in the study were cases of spontaneous SAH diagnosed using CT scans obtained within 24 hours of the initial symptoms and initially negative digital subtraction (DS) angiograms. Patients with traumatic SAH and an unknown history were excluded from the study. Patients with initially negative DS angiograms were divided into 2 groups: Group 1, a typically PM bleeding pattern (PM SAH); and Group 2, a non-PM bleeding pattern (non-PM SAH) such as hemorrhage in the sylvian or interhemispheric fissure. Cranial MR imaging including the craniocervical region was performed within 72 hours after SAH was diagnosed in all patients in Groups 1 and 2., Results: One thousand sixty-eight patients underwent DS angiography, and among them were 179 (16.7%) with negative angiograms--47 patients (26.3%) from Group 1 and 132 patients (73.7%) from Group 2. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no bleeding sources in any case (100% negative). Thirty-four patients in Group 1 and 120 patients in Group 2 underwent a second DS angiography study. Digital subtraction angiography revealed an aneurysm as the bleeding source in 1 case in Group 1 and in 13 cases in Group 2., Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and craniocervical region did not produce additional benefit for the detection of a bleeding source and the therapy administered for PM SAH and non-PM SAH (100% negative). The costs of this examination exceeded the clinical value. Despite the results of this study, MR imaging should be discussed on a case-by-case basis because rare bleeding sources are periodically diagnosed in cases of non-PM SAH. A second-look DS angiogram is necessary because aneurysmal hemorrhage occasionally produces PM SAH as well as non-PM SAH. Further prospective studies are needed to verify the authors' results in the future.

To demonstrate clinical characteristics of symptomatic spinal metastases of intracranial glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and different spreading mechanisms relating to astrocytic cell differentiation, we present an extraordinary case of a 47-year-old patient with rapid progressive paraplegia due to coincident intramedullary and leptomeningeal dissemination of a supratentorial GBM. Serial biopsies of the intracranial, leptomeningeal, and intramedullary GBM lesions of our patient were analyzed for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Furthermore, we present 19 additional cases of intracranial GBM with symptomatic spinal seeding, identified through literature review. GFAP expression was high in intracranial and intramedullary tumors, but low in leptomeningeal dissemination of our patient. Mean patient age was 45 years. Mean interval between identification of spinal metastases and death was 4.5 months. Mean overall survival was 18.6 months. Location of symptomatic spinal metastases was more frequently leptomeningeal (14 cases) than intramedullary (7 cases). The case presented herein supports the hypothesis of higher incidence of low GFAP expression in GBM cells in leptomeningeal manifestations after primary intracranial GBM. Because of the proposed tendency for early leptomeningeal spread from primary tumors with low astrocytic differentiation (low GFAP expression), patients with these tumors should be followed more closely to identify leptomeningeal tumor progression early on. Early identification of leptomeningeal spread could enable these patients to benefit from radiation therapy before they develop severe neurological deficits, which might translate into longer acceptable quality of life for these mostly young patients. This is an important finding, but further prospective studies are needed to verify our observations.

Background: Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) without evidence of a bleeding source on the first digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) - also called SAH of unknown origin - is observed in up to 27% of all cases. Depending on the bleeding pattern on CT scanning, SAH can be differentiated into perimesencephalic (PM-SAH) and non-perimesencephalic SAH (NON-PM-SAH). The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting a bleeding source in SAH of unknown origin., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,226 patients with spontaneous SAH between January 1991 and December 2008 in our department. DSA was performed in 1,068 patients, with negative results in 179 patients., Results: Forty-seven patients were categorized as having PM-SAH and 132 patients as having NON-PM-SAH. MRI of the brain and the craniocervical region was performed within 72 h after diagnosis of SAH and demonstrated no bleeding sources in any of the PM-SAH and NON-PM-SAH patients (100% negative)., Conclusions: In our experience MRI did not produce any additional benefit for detecting a bleeding source after SAH with a negative angiogram. The costs of this examination exceeded the clinical value. Despite our results MRI should be discussed on a case-by-case basis because rare bleeding sources are periodically diagnosed in cases of NON-PM-SAH.

Cerebral vasospasm complicating aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a well-known medical entity. The delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND) as a result of vasospasm remain the main cause of morbidity among patients who manage to survive this severe disease pattern. When the traditional treatment options, either medical or interventional, fail to reverse vasospasm, continuous intraarterial infusion of nimodipine through catheters directly into the spastic arteries presents a promising treatment modality. Of 73 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between 2008 and 2009, a total of 27 had Hunt and Hess grades of 4 and 5. Fifteen percent of them showed refractory vasospasms and were treated with continuous nimodipine infusion via catheters in both internal carotid arteries. We present the method's indications and possible complications.

Objective: Lung protective ventilation has a beneficial effect in treating patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An effect of this ventilation modality is hypercapnia, which leads to increased cerebral blood flow. Since increased cerebral blood flow can induce brain oedema the question arises whether lung protective ventilation can be applied in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage., Methods: We retrospectively analysed 12 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage who were ventilated with lung protective ventilation since they suffered of ARDS. Tidal volume was 5-8 ml/kg body weight, and positive end expiratory pressure was 10-15 cm H₂O. Intracerebral pressure was continuously measured by intracerebral probe., Results: Despite of hypercapnia (pCO₂ 50-60 mmHg) there was no increase of the intracerebral pressure. Lung protective ventilation could be safely performed in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage., Conclusion: Patients with higher Hunt and Hess grades of subarachnoid haemorrhage who are predominantly intubated and ventilated and most of them suffer from ARDS can receive lung protective ventilation. In our small patient collective, the occurring hypercapnia did not influence (increase) the intracerebral pressure.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GB) is the most common and most malignant primary intracranial tumor. Of the 577 patients who underwent surgery for newly diagnosed GB (World Health Organization grade IV) between January 1991 and March 2008 at our department, seven had infratentorial GB (iGB) (incidence 1.2%). Patients younger than 21years of age, as well as patients with gliomatosis cerebri, were excluded from the analysis. We concluded that iGB is rare in adults. Because of its rarity and the non-specific radiological features of iGB, it can easily be misdiagnosed as a brain metastasis, ependymoma or even as a benign lesion such as vestibular schwannoma or meningioma. Surgical removal, or at least stereotactic biopsy, is essential to establish the diagnosis. Postoperative adjuvant therapy similar to that for supratentorial glioblastoma is indicated. We analysed the clinical characteristics and therapy of our patients with iGB and reviewed the literature., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We present a case of dorsal cervical spinal cord injury in a 16-year-old boy caused by a screwdriver. Neurological deficits were hypaesthesia of the right body and neurovegetative functional deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging showed significant myelopathy and a subdural haematoma of the cervical spine. Surgical treatment was not necessary. Rheological infusions, lumbar puncture and rehabilitation resulted in full neurological recovery.